Chapter 45

Vanessa

The wedding is moved from the sanctuary to the reception area, where the room is nearly as large as the previous one. As the guests fill the space, finding their designated seats, a team of attentive waiters' weave through the crowd, presenting trays laden with an array of mouthwatering dishes. Each circular table is adorned with an elegant glass bowl filled with colorful Mexican candies. Meanwhile, the mariachi band continues to play covers of popular songs in the background.

Surrounded by this many people for the first time since my mom's funeral, I sense my social energy depleting rapidly. Staying close to Diego, we navigate through a sea of greetings and congratulations from a multitude of strangers.

Honestly, who are all these people? I understand Hispanic families are known for their size, but damn! I'm guessing there are some distinct cousins here or something. A fuck load of them.

"Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Reyes," a well-dressed man exclaims with a broa